Child and Adolescent Psychology, Admission Essay Example

I wish to study Child and Adolescent Psychology through the Chicago School’s Certificate program so that I can gain insight into the thought processes, emotions, and social interactions of young children and adolescents.  I am especially interested in the ways that trauma plays a role in shaping the emotional development of young people.  Currently, I work with toddlers and preschoolers at a private day-school, an experience that  has exposed me to the wide variety of cognitive and behavioural abilities that are possible for this age group.  I’ve found that, despite similarities in age and socio-economic background, the differences between children at this age can be immense.  I am continually astounded at the imaginative and logical leaps that children are capable of making, and I would like to learn more about the dual roles that nature and nurture play in helping or hindering children to gain such critical thinking abilities.

It’s important to me, as someone who works with children, to learn in an environment that accepts and nurtures people from a wide variety of backgrounds.  Unfortunately, I’ve had the opportunity to experience bias first-hand, as well as to witness the negative effects that a lack of cultural sensitivity can have on children, who are still forming their conception of the world around them.  The Chicago School’s commitment to a diverse learning environment that values competence and cultural inclusiveness will assist me in further developing my own understanding of the role that diversity can play in the educational process.

I have a Bachelors degree in Criminology and will be obtaining a Masters in Criminal Justice and Critical Incident Management this August.  I intend to use my educational background in tandem with a Certificate in Child and Adolescent Psychology to pursue a career in the Criminal Justice system working with adolescents.  I’ve found that, without exception, very young children have vast potential to experience life in the most positive of ways; this is true, too, of the young people whose actions have brought them in contact with the Criminal Justice system.  I hope that by broadening my knowledge of child and adolescent psychology, I will better understand the social and emotional elements that result in young people becoming involved in crime, self-abuse, and other negative activities.

The Child and Adolescent Psychology program will help me reach my professional goals by giving me access to the faculty and courses that will strengthen my understanding of the needs and abilities of children and adolescents.  I wish to have a much deeper understanding of the manner in which social and emotional pressures play a role in shaping the choices that young people make, both consciously and unconsciously.  I believe that the program’s emphasis on treatment practices, trauma issues, and the role that family plays in helping or hindering the successful development of young people will help me to become a  more effective and compassionate professional.  I also hope that the very specific nature of this program will assist me in determining how exactly I might best put my skills to work in the field of Criminal Justice. I am very excited at the prospect of taking part in this unique program, as I feel that it will help me in both my professional and academic development.